The 45 Super*

 
  45 Super 
    I am a big fan of the 45 Super cartrige.  I first ran across it in Dean Grinell's book "The Book of  the 45".  The concept is
    simple: take the .45 acp and update it to modern ballistics by giving it thicker brass to withstand higher pressures. This is the same basic process used to upgrade the .38 acp to the .38 Super cartridge. 
    Here is what Wikipedia has to say about it:

    The .45 Super is a large and powerful smokeless powder center fire metallic firearm cartridge developed in 1988 by Dean Grennell, a well-known writer in the firearms field as well as managing editor of Gun World magazine. Born of a desire to update and improve the 1906 era .45 ACP, the .45 Super cartridge is dimensionally identical with the older .45 ACP round. A notable difference is that it has a thicker case wall than its ACP brethren cartridge, and the Super is loaded to higher pressures, which makes it a substantially more powerful round than the standard .45 ACP. It offers an average 300 foot per second (ft/s) improvement in muzzle velocity.  The cartridge was co-developed by Tom Fergerson and Ace Hindman.

    In 1988, a Gun World article detailed Grennell's efforts to update the .45 ACP for the 21st Century, a difficult endeavor due to the inherent design limitations of the veteran round. Introduced in the early 20th Century, the .45 ACP has a relatively large case capacity which was dictated by the relatively low pressure powders in use at the time of its development; as a result, it operates in the modest range of 19,900 – 22,000 Copper units of pressure (CUP). In contrast, current day cartridges using modern nitrocellulose powders generating higher pressure can produce a CUP in the 28,000 – 39,000 range. As it was originally designed for lower pressures, the .45 ACP case has relatively thin walls and weak case head and web specifications; it cannot reliably contain increased pressures. The layout of most M1911 pistols' chambers presents yet another challenge in that the case head is not fully supported in the cartridge feed ramp area; pushing the envelope in this critical area with too much pressure risks a catastrophic failure, resulting in a case bursting in the chamber. To rule out such a dangerous possibility, Grennell chose to use brass formed from the stronger and more modern .451 Detonics, shortened to the overall length of the .45 ACP design. Support for the case head was also addressed by adopting a new chamber and barrel design which supports the base area of the case. Other areas of the model 1911 pistol design were also strengthened, including the addition of a heavier recoil spring and a strengthened firing pin redesigned to prevent primer material from flowing into the firing pin channel under high chamber pressures.

    Manufacturers such as Heckler & Koch (USP and HK45), and Springfield Armory, Inc. currently offer pistols rated to fire .45 Super ‘out of the box’. Although they will chamber, the firing of .45 Super rounds in non-rated standard .45 ACP automatics is not recommended, as doing so risks a case failure in the unsupported chamber and at the very least would batter the slide and almost certainly shorten the life of the pistol.

    The .450 SMC is a variant of the .45 Super with a smaller primer pocket, which is touted as being stronger due to having more brass in the web area.

    A number of bullet weight and velocity combinations are offered in .45 Super, including a 185-grain (12.0 g) bullet propelled at 1,300 ft/s, a 200-grain (13 g) at 1,200 ft/s, and a 230-grain (15 g) at 1,100 ft/s. as well as other weight/velocities provided by Super Express cartridges and Buffalo Bore, such as 255grain at 1050 ft/s.

    Sedalia, Missouri based Starline Brass company eventually began marketing factory manufactured brass cases for the chambering, taking the round out of the obscure wildcat cartridge realm. In addition, Ace Custom .45’s Inc. of Cleveland, Texas trademarked the .45 Super name in 1994 and currently markets factory .45 Super pistols, as well as gunsmith adaptations of .45 ACP pistols, and .45 ACP conversion kits. Texas Ammunition and Buffalo Bore offer factory loaded ammunition which is marketed by Ace Custom and others. The Dan Wesson 460 Rowland will also chamber a .45 Super.
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One of the first 45 Super Pistols

The .45 Super Cartridge: Power and Performance

The .45 Super cartridge is a high-performance variant of the iconic .45 ACP, designed to deliver enhanced power and versatility for shooters seeking greater stopping power without sacrificing reliability. Developed in the 1990s, this cartridge has carved out a niche among enthusiasts, hunters, and those requiring a robust self-defense round. This article explores the origins, design, performance, applications, and considerations of the .45 Super cartridge.

Origins and Development

The .45 Super was conceived in 1994 by firearms expert Dean Grennell and developed in collaboration with Ace Hindman. The goal was to create a cartridge that pushed the .45 ACP’s performance envelope, offering increased velocity and energy while maintaining compatibility with existing .45 ACP firearms, albeit with modifications. By strengthening the case and optimizing powder charges, the .45 Super achieved a significant boost in ballistic performance, rivaling the power of the .44 Magnum in some configurations.

The cartridge emerged during a period when shooters were exploring ways to enhance the stopping power of semi-automatic pistols. While the .45 ACP was renowned for its reliability and effectiveness, some felt it lacked the energy needed for certain applications, such as hunting or defense against large animals. The .45 Super addressed these demands, offering a modern solution rooted in a classic platform.

Design and Specifications

The .45 Super is essentially a souped-up .45 ACP, with key modifications to handle higher pressures and deliver superior performance:

  • Case Design: The .45 Super uses a strengthened brass case to withstand pressures up to 28,000 psi, compared to the .45 ACP’s standard 21,000 psi. The case head is slightly thicker, and the web is reinforced to prevent rupture under increased stress.

  • Dimensions: The cartridge retains the same overall length and rim diameter as the .45 ACP, ensuring compatibility with .45 ACP magazines and chambers. This allows modified .45 ACP firearms to fire .45 Super without major redesigns.

  • Bullet Weights and Loads: The .45 Super typically fires bullets ranging from 185 to 230 grains, with some loads up to 255 grains. Common loadings include:

    • 185-grain JHP at 1,300 fps (muzzle energy ~695 ft-lbs)

    • 230-grain FMJ or JHP at 1,100–1,200 fps (muzzle energy ~617–755 ft-lbs)

    • 255-grain hard-cast at 1,000 fps (muzzle energy ~565 ft-lbs)

  • Propellant: The .45 Super uses slower-burning powders to achieve higher velocities while managing pressure spikes, making it distinct from the faster-burning powders typical in .45 ACP loads.

These specifications give the .45 Super a significant edge over the .45 ACP, approaching or exceeding the energy of magnum revolver cartridges while retaining the semi-automatic platform’s advantages.

Performance and Ballistics

The .45 Super’s performance is its defining feature, offering a balance of velocity, energy, and terminal ballistics that make it a versatile round:

  • Increased Power: Compared to the standard .45 ACP (e.g., 230-grain at 850 fps, ~369 ft-lbs), the .45 Super delivers 50–100% more muzzle energy, depending on the load. This translates to greater penetration and expansion, critical for self-defense and hunting.

  • Terminal Ballistics: Jacketed hollow-point (JHP) loads in .45 Super expand reliably, creating larger wound channels than standard .45 ACP rounds. Hard-cast bullets, favored for hunting, offer deep penetration for large game like boar or bear.

  • Recoil: The increased power comes with heavier recoil, which can be challenging in lightweight pistols. However, in heavier platforms like the 1911 or Glock 21, recoil is manageable with proper grip and technique.

The .45 Super’s ballistic profile makes it a compelling choice for shooters needing a semi-automatic cartridge with magnum-like performance.

Applications

The .45 Super’s versatility has led to its adoption in several contexts:

  • Self-Defense: The cartridge’s enhanced stopping power makes it ideal for personal protection, particularly in areas where encounters with large animals are possible. Its ability to penetrate heavy clothing or barriers is a significant advantage.

  • Hunting: With heavy, hard-cast bullets, the .45 Super is effective for medium to large game, including wild boar, deer, and even bear in close-range scenarios. Its semi-automatic delivery allows for faster follow-up shots compared to revolvers.

  • Sport Shooting: Enthusiasts appreciate the .45 Super for its power and challenge, using it in competitions or recreational shooting where high-performance rounds shine.

  • Tactical Use: Some law enforcement and special operations units have explored the .45 Super for its ability to deliver decisive stopping power in semi-automatic platforms.

Firearm Compatibility and Modifications

While the .45 Super is dimensionally compatible with .45 ACP firearms, firing it in unmodified guns is unsafe due to the higher pressures. Required modifications include:

  • Stronger Recoil Spring: A heavier recoil spring (e.g., 22–24 lbs in a 1911) is needed to manage the increased slide velocity and prevent frame battering.

  • Barrel Support: A fully supported barrel is recommended to handle the higher-pressure case, reducing the risk of case rupture.

  • Frame and Slide Durability: Steel-framed pistols like the 1911 or Springfield Armory Enhanced are ideal, as they can withstand the .45 Super’s stress better than alloy or polymer frames.

  • Optional Upgrades: Enhanced extractors, firing pins, and buffer systems can improve reliability and longevity.

Popular platforms for .45 Super include the 1911, Glock 21, and Smith & Wesson M&P 45, all of which can be modified to handle the cartridge safely. Some manufacturers, like Underwood Ammo, offer conversion kits or purpose-built .45 Super firearms.

Considerations and Challenges

While the .45 Super offers impressive performance, it comes with trade-offs:

  • Cost and Availability: .45 Super ammunition is more expensive and less widely available than .45 ACP, with fewer manufacturers producing it. Brands like Underwood Ammo and Buffalo Bore dominate the market.

  • Recoil and Shootability: The cartridge’s stout recoil can be intimidating for inexperienced shooters, requiring practice to master.

  • Firearm Wear: Even with modifications, the .45 Super’s higher pressures accelerate wear on components, necessitating regular maintenance.

  • Niche Appeal: The cartridge’s specialized nature limits its mainstream adoption, as the .45 ACP or 10mm Auto often suffice for similar roles.

Conclusion

The .45 Super cartridge is a testament to the enduring versatility of the .45 ACP platform, offering magnum-level performance in a semi-automatic package. Its enhanced power, reliable terminal ballistics, and compatibility with modified .45 ACP firearms make it a compelling choice for self-defense, hunting, and sport shooting. However, its higher cost, recoil, and need for firearm modifications position it as a niche round for dedicated enthusiasts and professionals. For those seeking a balance of raw power and semi-automatic efficiency, the .45 Super delivers in spades, cementing its place as a modern classic in the world of firearms.




 .450 SMC


 Another caliber I love: 9mm Major



* ".45 SuperŪ" is a Trade Mark of Ace Custom 45's Inc.

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